Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo in Gwanda
ZANU-PF National Secretary for the Women’s League and President of the Senate, Cde Mabel Chinomona, has urged women to support one another in economic ventures, saying unity is essential for progress and prosperity.
She made these remarks yesterday, during the handover of a solar-powered incubator to Matabeleland South Province.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Zanu-PF Women’s League, aims to empower women and enhance their participation in national economic development.
The incubator, which has a capacity of 3 600 eggs, will benefit women from seven districts across the province. It has been placed at the provincial capital in Gwanda.
Matabeleland South becomes the seventh province to receive such a facility.
In her speech, Cde Chinomona said the hatchery follows previous distributions of chicks to provinces.
“We bring these projects in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision, he said women must be empowered to rise from their current circumstances,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of women producing their own goods, both for household use and for sale, as a way to improve livelihoods.
However, the Senate President expressed concern over the limited uptake of opportunities presented to women by the Second Republic. She noted that numerous projects had been introduced in provinces, including training in the production of items such as detergents, provision of sewing machines for making clothes and uniforms and distribution of chicks under the “pass-it-on” programme.
“It seems we women are used to poverty. We are more than 53 percent of the population, yet we struggle to support each other,” she said.
“Why can’t we support each other? Why can’t we start projects and make products that allow us to run our own businesses, instead of constantly begging? Were we created to uplift others and not ourselves?”
Cde Chinomona called on women to unite and support one another, also appealing to the newly appointed Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, to closely monitor the projects, to ensure their success and sustainability.
“We brought 1 000 eggs today, but you can also bring your own from home and support each other. Our aim is to reach Vision 2030 with every woman able to support herself,” said Cde Chinomona.
The Second Republic is actively implementing inclusive policies and programmes to create an enabling environment for women’s full participation in economic development.
In his address, Minister Nguluvhe said empowered women benefit entire communities.
“Women have long carried the burden of multiple responsibilities, including caring for families. It is time we work together to eliminate gender stereotypes, both now and for future generations,” he said.
“The empowerment of women is essential for building a prosperous and stable society, one in which all people, regardless of gender, can enjoy improved quality of life. Women should have the same rights as men in political, economic and social spheres. We must trust their decisions and take concrete steps to make this vision a reality.”
He noted that legislative changes are not necessarily required, but that women should elect one another into leadership positions, to further empower themselves.
Minister Nguluvhe also urged businesses in the province to support women’s empowerment projects, appealing for assistance with fuel to drill boreholes in communities, to provide clean water.
— @SikhulekelaniM1
